¤¤ A Candy Cane With The Marshmallow Knife ¤¤
Written: Jun 01 '00 (Updated Jun 02 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great Multimedia, Low-Frequency Bass, Pricing. Overall, it has served me well.
Cons: Bass Adjustment Missing From Particular Model
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| SaLT's Full Review: Altec Lansing ACS 33 Computer Speakers |
I walked down the long corridor of my house, cloaked with night as the warmth evaded the atmosphere. Creeping down the hallway, I noticed a candle, dimly lit with a turquoise fog. Baffled, I picked it up, only to realize I was holding that of ohms in my hand. I felt a cold air patch trickle down my spine. Dripping down, I deciphered the identity of the dark. There sat a candy cane, revealing a devilishly red-toothed smile in my direction, caressing a clean, white blade.
Throughout the long lifetime of Altec, they have been a prolific creator of quality multimedia. Influenced mainly by their listeners, the Altec ACS33 nevertheless continue to amaze its consumers with different selections of options including omitting a low-frequency tone while in use, along with affordable price and a slick appearance, astounding MP3 quality music, along with many beneficial features.
- Welcome to V.2 of my Altec ACS33 Review -
A. Advantages
1. Specifications
1a. Term Definitions
2. Great Multimedia
3. Low-Frequency Bass
4. Pricing (Relative)
4a. Comparison
B. Disadvantages
1. Missing Adjustment
C. Afterthought
1. Buyer Qualities
1a. Who Should Purchase?
1b. Who Should Pass?
2. Purchase Info
2a. Online
2b. Offline
3. Personal Experiences
« Conclusion »
« A Message From SaLT »
"Greatness lies not in being strong but in the right use of strength." - Henry Ward Beecher.
"No man ever yet became great by imitation." - Samuel Johnson.
"Quality, not quantity, is my measure." - Douglas Jerrold.
All of these statements can be directly related upon this multimedia system. Altec not only thrives on being an individual, but also gives you quality, without the spending power of all your money.
A. Advantages
1. Specifications
"Driver (per satellite): One 3 inch full range driver
Driver (subwoofer): One 4 inch long throw
Frequency Response: 70Hz - 18kHz
Satellite Power: 10 Watts
Subwoofer Power: 15 Watts
Input Impedance: >10k ohms
S/N Ratio: >65 dB"
1a. Term Definitions
This is the section upon which I explain the given specifications.
«« A subwoofer can be referred to as a speaker whose sole purpose is the output of frequency tone, also known as bass. »»
«« A watt can be referred to as power, and with speakers the power that the speakers are able to deliver with the sound it releases. (e.g. A speaker that puts out more wattage can output more sound without blowing out) »»
«« Hz (hertz) are referred to as a unit of frequency, which is of a difference in state in a sound wave, changing current, or other waveform of one cycle/second. (e.g.) How high-pitched a wave the speakers can play. »»
«« kHz (kilohertz) can be referred to as an alternative electromagnetic wavelength, equal to 1000 Hz. »»
Basically these two terms measure frequency, as 18kHz is quite loud, considering the human ear's capability is 20kHz.
«« dB (decibels) can be referred to as an everyday unit of measurement to measure loudness of sound, mainly in electronics, for a comparison between two power levels. dB are used in a scale to determine human hearing, 0 dB, upward towards where your ears would be in utter pain (120 - 140 dB). »»
«« ohms can be referred to as the internal resistance of the speaker. »»
All in all, this system puts out 65 dB, which is a little more than half of what your ears can take without being in genuine pain. What does this say about this system?
2. Great Multimedia
The system is simplistic among itself, without any use of instructions upon connection to your PC. This multimedia pack carries a 7-pound subwoofer, which provides low frequency tone, and two small mini-speakers, weighing approximately 13 ounces each.
Despite the impressiveness of this mammoth undertaking, it is chiefly for this tremendous value along with great multimedia quality for which the ACS33 by Altec is remembered. The freshness, grace, and careful craftsmanship that made these speakers an asset to the PC will still commend us in the future.
3. Low-Frequency Tone
This multimedia pack also ensures a user-ready subwoofer. Despite this, the specific subwoofer is the perfect bass adjustment which finished off the masterpiece to this sound system. Considering the human ear is only capable of interpreting 20 Hz - 20 kHz (20,000 Hz)[1], this fact proves upon the high-quality of the subwoofer.
Considering this aspect depicted among "Physics 20: Sound Applications," this multimedia system will advise a wide range of the capability of the human ear, thus providing an often satisfying audio experience (70 Hz - 18 kHz). Despite this, the subwoofer also has an output of 15 watts, which will sustain much higher audio capabilities as other multimedia systems.
4. Pricing (Relative)
Purchasing the audio quality of the Altec ACS33 will not be a deprivation to a common household budget. I speak to you not as a consumer, though as an advisor. The Altec ACS33 began succession as a worthy product with shy pricing. From this humble perception, it formed into a dramatist of its services which timidly fall around the purchase price of $38.95, upon the provision of the vendor.
Leading bargain? I tend to agree. Altec, as a company, returns to their consumers as a hero in quality hardware. Why are you surprised at such quality of a multimedia system?
4a. Comparison
Judging by the rivals in its own class, for say the Panasonic EAB-MPC250, the given has brought me to the conclusion that the compared product is not even in rivalry with the Altec ACS33, having the Panasonic model become obsolete when in direct comparison with the Altec.
How did I come to this conclusion? I quickly acknowledged and studied both products, thus providing me with the substantial judgement that the Altec is more efficient, especially considering the specifications of the other given which consist of a 2-speaker system along with a subwoofer and 10 watt capability, falling under the expense of approximately $80.
Let me be frank.
Panasonic EAB-MPC250 (2-speaker, 10-Watt Subwoofer) = $80
Altec ACS33 (2-speaker, 15-Watt Subwoofer) = $38.95
B. Disadvantages
"This is the very perfection of man: to find out his own imperfection." - St Augustine.
1. Missing Adjustment
But despite the perfections of this order, I will now decipher Altec's own imperfection amongst you, the reader. The central inquisition in whence I postulated among my own existence is a bass and low-frequency regulator.
Alas, I must work without the service of such a module, though I must let Altec hear the impeccable call of my own notion. Perhaps one exists in a more technological model, though many are reliant upon that which are more minimized, both in cost and body. Though the module provides great proportion and balance in the distribution of bass and frequency, I would be most reluctant to detect such on a later, inexpensive model.
C. Afterthought
"Much like any great story, there will be additional questions or resources for which you crave. Therefore, I shall try my best to answer such inquisitions here."
1. Buyer Qualities
1a. Who Should Purchase?
I would highly recommend this item to college students, anyone who craves quality multimedia, teenagers, and many more. For the most part, buyers should enjoy quality audio at low prices, or therefore desire to upgrade their current speaker set for the home or work.
Despite these qualities, if you contain an inclination for bass, this product is also definitely for you. PC gamers, consumers who listen to Mp3s, or just want to fully experience the audio upon which your computer wishes to reveal to you is also recommended for this system. Not only this, but if you have an extra $45 around the house of which you fancy to invest in your home or work computer, I also recommend this product to you.
From PC gamers to web designers to virtually anyone, this system is definitely for you, though it is up to your personal preferences. If a budget isn't a current issue, I can only recommend for you to purchase.
1b. Who Should Pass?
I don't recommend this model to anyone who is currently happy with their PC audio system, do not enjoy loud sounds, wish to keep sounds at a bare minimal, etc. Also, if you currently own a higher model of Altec speaker products, this isn't for you, either.
Despite these qualities, if you do not obtain an additional $45 as a result of budget or other expenses, I also do not recommend this model.
2. Purchase Info
2a. Online
I highly suggest the purchase of this product online, as given data is provided amongst you and this is often a tedious purchase decision which requires little, if no inquiries. Generally, purchasing online also tends to be slightly less expensive than that of a hardware store, as shipping and handling is quite reasonable, having the audio system not baring much weight.
General vendors consist of AccessMicro (www.accessmicro.com), which is a division of the McGlen company. Orders are generally prompt, usually shipped to your door within a week upon the purchased date.
2b. Offline
Though shopping online is highly recommended, the concept of browsing hardware stores is not eliminated. If you are insecure of what you may be purchasing, you may make inquisitions in real life, though this usually is not implied as you will be surprised of the ease of purchase.
As always, the purchase upon a vendor such as Fry's Electronics or Best Buy is highly recommended if browsing offline, though convenience delivers itself to your door within the click of a mouse.
3. Personal Experiences
I purchased the ACS33 by Altec a little over a month ago from AccessMicro.com for a mere $38.95, which was truly an impeccable offer. Throughout my use with them, I have enjoyed the variety of sound and audio quality which they instill for the multimedia experience of my PC.
Convenience had strolled my way, as Pointclick had taken care of all debts, thus being in my services as a result of the redeeming of credits in my account there. Overall, I'm extremely delighted with the product, as they deliver sheer satisfaction with anyone who encounters them. They often shake the PC stand as well, when the volume control is proportioned correctly, that is.
« Conclusion »
Despite the affordable price, Altec once again spoils their customers with a speaker set that is like no other, customized to meet the consumers needs and audio desires. Throughout my use with them, they have been an exquisite source of MP3 quality, midi, and many other audio properties. Whether you're on a budget or would enjoy your PC to compose a multitude of songs, the ACS33 is your key to this opportunity. The subwoofer also has the reputation of supplying an ample bass frequency, which often shakes the computer stand.
Celebrated chiefly, however, as a skillful audio device, the ACS33 distinguishes itself among rival multimedia systems, to us consumers, by their long-lasting simplicity of style and their flawless ear to the music of words. In addition to composing audio quality, PC style, and their slick appearance, the ACS33 is an artist to itself, adding flavor to your feast of multimedia.
The love expressed by the consumer, almost all of which are intensely musical, remind as that this product is as much of a musician as a poet of satisfaction.
ACS33M by Altec, is an excellent example of exquisite poetry only Altec is capable of composing.
[1] http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/physics/u5a12phy.html
Recommended:
Yes
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SaLT
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